Pb gives nod for cancer treatment scheme in empanelled hosps

In a relief to cancer patients across the state, Punjab government today gave approval for cashless scheme for cancer treatment in empanelled hospitals under 'Mukh Mantri Cancer Raahat Kosh' from January next year.
A decision to this effect was taken by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal while presiding over a high level review meeting of the state health department here at his residence, an official spokesman said.
Badal said under the scheme there would be no need for getting any prior sanction of the officers for getting treatment and cancer patients could avail the best treatment facilities in the empanelled hospitals at affordable cost.

He said the scheme will prove to be a boon for cancer patients as under it the entire expenditure for their treatment will be borne by the state government.
However, he said that the benefit of this scheme must be extended to cancer patients so as to ensure timely and prompt relief, for which a comprehensive awareness campaign must be started by the health department.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister also approved the proposal of the health department to conduct special screening for diabetes/hypertension of persons above 30 years of age.
Badal was apprised that this project of screening would be launched on pilot basis in four districts of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (Nawanshehar), Mansa, Sri Muktsar Sahib and Tarn Taran in February next year.

The Chief Minister also directed the health department to establish mother-child centers in the medical colleges and hospitals of the state government to further decrease the infant and maternal mortality ratios in the state.